The uncrowned IBF king returned to the ring earlier this year and has already amassed 2 victories. Ogawa will challenge Joe Noynay (18-2) for the WBO Asia Pacific championship, on December 7th, at the legendary Korakuen Hall.

-Masaru Sueyoshi (19-1): WBO #4Sueyoshi will meet Kosuke Saka (18-5), on November 2nd, for the 5th defense of his Japanese title.

-Kazuhiro Nishitani (20-4): IBF #12Nishitani has been 5-0 since 2016, knocking out every single one of his opponents.

Featherweight:-Musashi Mori (9-0): WBO #9Mori defended his WBO Asia Pacific title against the former champion Richard Pumicpic (21-10) this past April. He will take on Suntorn Panhom (5-4) on September 15th.

-Reiya Abe (19-2): IBF #6 / WBC #11Abe will square off withRyo Sagawa (7-1) for the vacant Japanese title, on September 13th.

Super Bantamweight:-Ryosuke Iwasa (26-3): IBF #1Iwasa won an IBF eliminator against Cesar Juarez (24-7) in February. Since Daniel Roman (27-2) is out with an injury, an interim IBF title fight could be made with Iwasa and Marlon Tapales (33-2).

-Hiroaki Teshigawara (20-2): IBF #8Teshigawara defended his OPBF championship against former world title challenger Shohei Omori (20-3) on August 8th.

-Yusaku Kuga (18-3): WBC #11Kuga became once again the Japanese champion after earning a unanimous decision over Ryoichi Tamura (12-4) a few months back. He will mark his inaugural title defense on September 21st against Yosuke Fujihara (18-6).

-Tomoki Kameda (36-3): WBC #8The former interim WBC champion came up short in his unification bout with Rey Vargas (34-0).

Bantamweight-Naoya Inoue (18-0): IBF World championInoue is set to clash with the WBA Super & WBC Diamond champion Nonito Donaire (40-5) in the WBSS Bantamweight final, on November 7th.

-Takuma Inoue (13-0): WBC Interim World championTakuma will unify with Nordine Oubaali (16-0) on November 7th.

-Junto Nakatani (19-0): WBC #3 / WBO #4 / WBA #7 / IBF #11 Nakatani’s biggest fight yet will take place on October 5th, when he tests himself against the former IBF Light Flyweight World champion Milan Melindo (37-4).

-Masayuki Kuroda (30-8): IBF #10 / WBC #14Kuroda went to war with Moruti Mthalane (38-2) for the IBF World title, this past May, but couldn’t bring the belt back home.

-Yusuke Sakashita (18-8): WBO #15Sakashita stopped former world title contender Masahiro Sakamoto (13-3) to become the new WBO Asia Pacific champion. He will mark his first defense against Naoki Mochizuki (16-4), in a revenge match from 2016, on October 21st.

Light Flyweight:-Hiroto Kyoguchi (13-0): WBA (Super) World champion. Kyoguchi successfully defended the WBA title this past June, against Muay Thai champion Tanawat Nakoon (11-1). His next opponent will be Tetsuya Hisada (34-9), whom he’ll face on October 1st in Japan.

-Ken Shiro (16-0): WBC World champion.The unstoppable Ken Shiro made short work of Jonathan Taconing (28-4) in July, to mark his 6th title defense.

Super Featherweight:-Masaru Sueyoshi (19-1): WBO #3Sueyoshi will meet Kosuke Saka (18-5), on September 2nd, for the 5th defense of his Japanese title. [Ed's note - This bout has been postponed due to Sueyoshi suffering an injury]

-Kenichi Ogawa (24-1): IBF #3 / WBA #4 / WBO #11The uncrowned IBF king returned to the ring earlier this year and has already amassed 2 victories. His next match has been scheduled for September 7th. (Opponent TBA) [Ed's note - This scheduled bout also appears to have been cancelled, though the reason is unclear]

-Yusaku Kuga (18-3): WBC #10Kuga became once again the Japanese champion after earning a unanimous decision over Ryoichi Tamura (12-4) on May 18th.

Bantamweight-Naoya Inoue (18-0): IBF World championInoue is set to clash with the WBA Super & WBC Diamond champion Nonito Donaire (40-5) in the WBSS Bantamweight final, on November 7th.

-Takuma Inoue (13-0): WBC Interim World championTakuma is expected to unify with Nordine Oubaali (16-0) before the year is over.

-Ryo Akaho (34-2): WBO #2Akaho has been undefeated since 2016, amassing 8 wins. It’s worth noting that the former Japanese & OPBF champion is currently fighting at Featherweight. We aren’t 100% sure if this is a mistake by the WBO or he is intending to go down again at Bantamweight. He is scheduled to compete on October 5th.

Super Flyweight:-Kazuto Ioka (24-2): WBO World champion.Ioka defeated Aston Palicte (25-3) in June to win the vacant WBO strap and to become the 1st ever Japanese 4 division World champion.

-Akira Yaegashi (28-6): WBO #9 / WBA #12 / WBC #14The 3 division World champion has been undefeated as a Super Flyweight, with 3 consecutive TKO victories under his belt. His next fight will probably be this coming November.

-Masayuki Kuroda (30-8): IBF #10 / WBC #13Kuroda went to war with Moruti Mthalane (38-2) for the IBF World title, this past May, but couldn’t bring the belt back home.

-Yusuke Sakashita (18-8): WBO #15Sakashita stopped former world title contender Masahiro Sakamoto (13-3) to become the new WBO Asia Pacific champion.

Light Flyweight:-Hiroto Kyoguchi (13-0): WBA World champion. Kyoguchi successfully defended the WBA title for the 1st time, this June, against Muay Thai champion Tanawat Nakoon (11-1). Tetsuya Hisada will be next.

-Ken Shiro (16-0): WBC World champion.The unstoppable Ken Shiro made short work of Jonathan Taconing (28-4) on July 12th, to mark his 6th title defense.

-Kenichi Horikawa (40-15): WBC #5 / IBF #5Horikawa won the Japanese title earlier this year, for the second time in his career. He made his inaugural defense in May and will mark his second one, on August 8th, against Ryuto Oho (12-5).

​Middleweight:-Ryota Murata (14-2): WBA #4The 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist will get his chance at revenge on July 12 as he goes up against Rob Brant (25-1)in Osaka for the WBA (Regular) World championship.Super Welterweight:-Takeshi Inoue (13-1): WBO #9The former Japanese, OPBF & WBO Asia Pacific champion unsuccessfully challenged Jaime Munguia (33-0) for the WBO World title this January. He is scheduled to return to the ring on August 3rd

Lightweight:-Masayoshi Nakatani (18-0): IBF #3 / WBC #7 / WBO #14Longtime OPBF king Nakatani takes on Teofimo Lopez (13-0), on July 19, for a future shot at the IBF World title. Super Featherweight:-Masaru Sueyoshi (19-1): WBO #3Sueyoshi defended his Japanese championship for the 4th time, against Ken Osato (15-3), on May 4th. -Kenichi Ogawa (23-1): IBF #4The former Japanese champion returned to ring, after his one year suspension, and defeated Roldan Aldea (12-7) this past February. He will now meet another Filipino journeyman inGlenn Medura (10-5)on July 6.-Masayuki Ito (25-2): WBO #9 / WBC #11Ito lost his WBO title recently to Jamel Herring (20-2).Featherweight:-Satoshi Shimizu (8-0): IBF #10The 2012 Olympic Bronze Medalist won the OPBF title back in 2017 and has successfully defended it 4 times. Shimizu will next challenge the WBO Asia Pacific Super Featherweight champion Joe Noynay (17-2) on July 12.-Musashi Mori (9-0): WBO #9Mori defended his WBO Asia Pacific title against the former champion Richard Pumicpic (21-10) on April 14.-Hiroshige Osawa (35-5): WBA #2 / IBF #14The former OPBF & WBO Asia Pacific champion finds himself once again in the world rankings, since losing to WBO World champion Oscar Valdez (24-0) in 2016. He fought Indonesian journeyman Ahmad Lahizab (4-8) on April 7.-Reiya Abe (19-2): IBF #7 / WBC #10Abe will square off withRyo Sagawa (7-1) for the vacant Japanese title, on September 13.Super Bantamweight:-Ryosuke Iwasa (26-3): IBF #1Iwasa won an IBF title eliminatoragainst Cesar Juarez (24-7), on February 16.-Hiroaki Teshigawara (19-2): IBF #8Teshigawara will mark his second defense of the OPBF championship against former world title challenger Shohei Omori (20-2) on August 8.-Shingo Wake (26-5): WBC #2 / IBF #4 / WBA #11The former Japanese & OPBF champion has been on a 6 fight winning streak since losing to Jonathan Guzman (23-1) in 2016.-Yukinori Oguni (21-2): WBA #4The former IBF World champion defeatedSukpraserd Ponpitak (22-10) on May 8.Bantamweight-Ryo Akaho (34-2): WBO #2Akaho has been undefeated since 2016, amassing 8 wins. It’s worth noting that the former Japanese & OPBF champion is currently fighting at Featherweight. We aren’t 100% sure if this is a mistake by the WBO or he is intending to go down again at Bantamweight. Super Flyweight:-Akira Yaegashi (28-6): WBO #9 / WBA #11 / WBC #13Yaegashi moved up to Super Flyweight in 2018 and has since been undefeated in the division with 3 consecutive TKO victories.-Koki Eto (24-4): WBO #2 / WBA #3 / WBC #7 / IBF #8Eto’s KO win over Jeyvier Cintron (10-0) was called a no contest, due to an accidental headbutt. A rematch has been set for August 2nd. The victor will be next in line for a match with the newly crowned WBO World champion Kazuto Ioka (24-2).-Sho Ishida (28-1): WBO #1 / IBF #5 / WBA #5 / WBC #10Ishida has been 4-0 since losing to Khalid Yafai (26-0) in 2017.Flyweight:-Junto Nakatani (19-0): WBC #3 / WBO #4 / WBA #8 / IBF #11 Nakatani stopped Naoki Mochizuki (15-4) in February, for the vacant Japanese crown and last fought on June 1st, against Philip Luis Cuerdo (11-7).-Masayuki Kuroda (30-8): IBF #10 / WBC #12Kuroda went to war with Moruti Mthalane (38-2) for the IBF World title, on May 13, but couldn’t bring the belt back home.Light Flyweight:-Tetsuya Hisada (34-9): WBA #1 /WBO #3 / WBC #3 / IBF #7Hisada has been on an impressive 13 fight winning streak. The Japanese star could very well be the 1st challenger of the new WBO champion Elwin Soto (15-1).-Kenichi Horikawa (40-15): WBC #5 / IBF #6Horikawa won the Japanese title, on February 14, for the second time in his career. He made his inaugural defense on May 19 against Masashi Tada (13-6).

-Ryoichi Taguchi (27-4): WBC #6The former WBA & IBF champion failed to win the World championship against the WBO title holder Kosei Tanaka (13-0) on March 16.-Reiya Konishi (17-2): IBF #8Konishi didn’t manage to capture the IBF title from Felix Alvarado (35-2) when they clashed in Japan.-Sho Kimura (18-3): WBA #8The former WBO Flyweight World champion lost a unanimous decision toCarlos Canizales (22-0) for the WBA (Regular) World title, this May, in China.Strawweight:-Norihito Tanaka (19-7): IBF #5 / WBO #6 / WBC #7 / WBA #12Tanaka won the Japanese title, this past January, and defended it on June 13 against Naoya Haruguchi (15-11).

-Tatsuya Fukuhara (21-7): WBC #5The former World champion came up short at his second shot against Chayaphon Moonsri (53-0) for the WBC title on May 31st.-Masataka Taniguchi (11-3): WBO #7 / WBC #15Taniguchi unsuccessfully challenged the WBO World champion Vic Saludar (19-3) this past February.-Tsubasa Koura (14-1): WBC #10Koura surprisingly lost his OPBF title to Lito Dante (16-10, this March.

​Strawweight:-Norihito Tanaka (18-7): IBF #6 / WBC #7/ WBO #10 / WBA #13Tanaka won the Japanese title, this past January, and will defend it on June 13 against Naoya Haruguchi (15-10).-Tatsuya Fukuhara (21-7): WBC #4The former World champion came up short at his second shot againstChayaphon Moonsri (53-0) for the WBC title on May 31st.-Masataka Taniguchi (11-3): WBO #7Taniguchi unsuccessfully challenged the WBO World championVic Saludar (19-3) this past February.Light Flyweight:-Tetsuya Hisada (34-9): WBA #1 /WBO #1 / WBC #3 / IBF #7Hisada is rumored to be challengingAngel Acosta (19-1) for the WBO title, potentially this Summer.-Kenichi Horikawa (40-18): WBC #5 / IBF #6Horikawa won the Japanese title, on February 14, for the second time in his career. He made his inaugural defense on May 19 against Masashi Tada (13-6).-Ryoichi Taguchi (27-4): WBC #6The former WBA & IBF champion failed to win the World championship against the WBO title holder Kosei Tanaka (13-0) on March 16.-Reiya Konishi (17-2): IBF #8Konishi didn’t manage to capture the IBF title from Felix Alvarado (35-2) when they clashed in Japan.-Sho Kimura (18-3): WBA #8The former WBO Flyweight World champion lost a unanimous decision toCarlos Canizales (22-0) for the WBA (Regular) World title, this May, in China.

Flyweight:-Junto Nakatani (19-0): WBC #3 / WBO #4 / IBF #11 / WBA #14Nakatani stopped Naoki Mochizuki (15-4) in February, for the vacant Japanese crown and scored a stay busy win on June 1st, against Philip Luis Cuerdo (11-7).-Masayuki Kuroda (30-8): IBF #10Kuroda went to war withMoruti Mthalane (38-2) for the IBF World title, on May 13, but couldn’t bring the belt back home.Super Flyweight:-Kazuto Ioka (23-2): WBO #2The 3 division world champion will meetAston Palicte (25-2)at the Makuhari Messearena in Japan, for the vacant WBO World championship. -Akira Yaegashi (28-6): WBA #10 / WBO #10 / WBC #14Yaegashi moved up to Super Flyweight in 2018 and has since been undefeated in the division with 3 consecutive TKO victories. He finally makes it back into the world rankings as he aims to become a 4 division champion.-Koki Eto (24-4): WBO #4 / WBA #7 / IBF #8Eto’s KO win overJeyvier Cintron (10-0)on May 25th for the WBO International title got overturned, due to an accidental headbutt. -Sho Ishida (28-1): WBO #3 / IBF #5 / WBA #6 / WBC #10Since losing to Khalid Yafai (25-0) in 2017, Ishida has earned 4 victories over the likes ofRatchanon Sawangsoda (12-3), Richard Claveras (18-6), world title contender Warlito Parrenas (26-10) as well as Ikuro Sadatsune (9-4).Super Bantamweight:-Ryosuke Iwasa (26-3): IBF #1Iwasa won an IBF title eliminatoragainst Cesar Juarez (23-7), on February 16.-Shingo Wake (26-5): WBC #2 / IBF #3 The former Japanese & OPBF champion has been on a 6 fight winning streak since losing to Jonathan Guzman (23-1) in 2016.

-Hiroaki Teshigawara (19-2): IBF #9 / WBO #15Teshigawara made his Super Bantamweight debut last year, stopping Glenn Suminguit (21-4) to win the OPBF championship. He marked his first successful title defense on February 14, against Yuki Iriguchi (10-3). -Yukinori Oguni (20-2): WBA #4The former IBF World champion defeatedSukpraserd Ponpitak (22-10) on May 8.

Featherweight:-Satoshi Shimizu (8-0): IBF #9The 2012 Olympic Bronze Medalist won the OPBF title back in 2017 and has successfully defended it 4 times. He will now challenge the WBO Asia Pacific Super Featherweight champion Joe Noynay (17-2) on July 12.-Musashi Mori (9-0): WBO #9Mori defended his WBO Asia Pacific title against the former champion Richard Pumicpic (21-10) on April 14.-Hiroshige Osawa (35-5): WBA #1 / IBF #13The former OPBF & WBO Asia Pacific champion finds himself once again in the world rankings, since losing to WBO World champion Oscar Valdez (24-0) in 2016. He fought Indonesian journeyman Ahmad Lahizab (4-8) on April 7.-Reiya Abe (19-2): IBF #5 / WBC #13Abe fought the Japanese championTaiki Minamoto (16-5),on May 1st, to a draw.Super Featherweight:-Masaru Sueyoshi (19-1): WBO #3Sueyoshi defended his Japanese championship for the4thtime, against Ken Osato (15-3), on May 4th. -Kenichi Ogawa (23-1): IBF #4The former Japanese champion returned to ring, after his one year suspension, and defeated Roldan Aldea (12-7) this past February. Ogawa will face the undefeated IBF Intercontinental champion Azinga Fuzile (14-0) in an IBF world title eliminator, on July 6, at the Korakuen Hall in Japan.Lightweight:-Masayoshi Nakatani (18-0): IBF #3 / WBC #8 / WBO #10Nakatani marked his 11th successful OPBF title defense this past December, by stopping former WBC International champion Hurricane Futa (25-8). He takes on Teofimo Lopez (13-0), on July 6, for a future shot at the IBF World championship.-Nihito Arakawa (32-7): WBO #8The former Japanese, OPBF & WBO Asia Pacific champion failed to obtain theWBO International titlefrom Denys Berinchyk (11-0) on April 20.

Super Welterweight:-Takeshi Inoue (13-1): WBO #9The former Japanese, OPBF & WBO Asia Pacific champion unsuccessfully challenged Jaime Munguia (32-0) for the WBO World titlethis January. He is scheduled to return to the ring on August 3rd.Middleweight:-Ryota Murata (14-2): WBA #4The 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist will get his chance for revenge on July 12 as he goes up against Rob Brant (25-1)in Osaka for the WBA (Regular) World championship.Heavyweight:-Kyotaro Fujimoto (20-1): WBO #9 / WBA #12The former K-1 champion has unified the Japanese, OPBF & WBO Asia Pacific Heavyweight titles. He is now looking for a World championship fight before he retires from the sport.

​Strawweight:-Tatsuya Fukuhara (21-6): WBC #4The former World champion will get another shot at Chayaphon Moonsri (52-0) and the WBC title, May 31stin Thailand.-Masataka Taniguchi (11-3): WBO #6Taniguchi defeated Joel Lino (10-1), back in November, for the vacant WBO Asia Pacific title. He unsuccessfully challenged Vic Saludar (19-3) on February 26 for the WBO World title.-Norihito Tanaka (18-7): WBC #7 / IBF #9/ WBO #9 / WBA #13Tanaka won the Japanese title, this past January, and will defend it on June 13 against Naoya Haruguchi (15-10).Light Flyweight:-Sho Kimura (18-2): WBA #2The former WBO Flyweight World champion dominated Thai veteran Wicha Phulaikhao (60-11) on March 30. In a surprising move, Kimura decided to move to the Light Flyweight division and he will now challenge Carlos Canizales (21-0) for the WBA (Regular) World championship on May 26, in the country he became famous China.-Reiya Konishi (17-1): IBF #3 / WBC #6The WBO Asia Pacific champion will clash with Felix Alvarado (34-2) for the IBF World title, on May 19.-Tetsuya Hisada (34-9): WBA #1 /WBO #1 / WBC #3 / IBF #8Hisada is rumored to be challengingAngel Acosta (19-1) for the WBO title, potentially this Summer.-Kenichi Horikawa (39-18): WBC #5 / IBF #7Horikawa won Japanese title, on February 14, for the second time in his career. He will make his inaugural defense on May 19 against Masashi Tada (13-5).Flyweight:-Masayuki Kuroda (30-7): IBF #4Kuroda, who is currently on a 6 fight winning streak, will meet Moruti Mthalane (37-2) for the IBF World title on May 13.-Junto Nakatani (18-0): WBO #3 / WBC #3/ IBF#12 / WBA #15Nakatani stopped Naoki Mochizuki (15-4), on February 2nd, for the vacant Japanese crown. He will mark his first defense against Wolf Nakano (6-7) on June 1st.

Super Flyweight:-Kazuto Ioka (23-2): WBO #2 / WBC #4The 3 division world champion will meetAston Palicte (25-2)at the Makuhari Messearena in Japan, for the vacant WBO World championship. -Akira Yaegashi (28-6): WBA #9 / WBO #10Yaegashi moved up to Super Flyweight in 2018 and has since been undefeated in the division with 3 consecutive TKO victories. He finally makes it back in the world rankings as he aims to become a 4 division champion.-Koki Eto (24-4): WBO #4 / WBA #7 / IBF #8 / WBC #9Eto’s getting closer to the world title again as he faces Jeyvier Cintron (10-0)on May 25th for the right to challenge the winner of Ioka/Palicte.-Sho Ishida (28-1): WBO #3 / IBF #5 / WBA #6 / WBC #11Since losing to Khalid Yafai (25-0) in 2017, Ishida has earned 4 victories over the likes ofRatchanon Sawangsoda (12-3), Richard Claveras (18-6), world title contender Warlito Parrenas (26-9) as well as Ikuro Sadatsune (9-4).Super Bantamweight:-Ryosuke Iwasa (26-3): IBF #1Iwasa won an IBF title eliminatoragainst Cesar Juarez (23-7), on February 16.-Shingo Wake (26-5): WBC #2 / IBF #3 The former Japanese & OPBF champion has been on a 6 fight winning streak since losing to Jonathan Guzman (23-1) in 2016.-Hiroaki Teshigawara (19-2): IBF #9 / WBO #15Teshigawara made his Super Bantamweight debut last year, stopping Glenn Suminguit (21-4) to win the OPBF championship. He marked his first successful title defense on February 14, against Yuki Iriguchi (10-3). -Yukinori Oguni (20-2): WBA #4The former IBF World champion will compete on May 8, inJapan, as he takes onSukpraserd Ponpitak (22-9).

Featherweight:-Shun Kubo (13-1): WBA #10The former WBA Super Bantamweight World champion moved up a weight class last year, defeating Hiroshige Osawa on his Featherweight debut. He will now get the opportunity to challenge Can Xu (16-2), in China, for the WBA (Regular) World title on May 26.-Satoshi Shimizu (8-0): IBF #3The 2012 Olympic Bronze Medalist has made 3 successful title defenses of the OPBF crown in 2018, against Kyung Min Kwon (6-5), Shingo Kawamura (16-5) and Takuya Uehara (16-1).-Hiroshige Osawa (35-5): WBA #1 / IBF #13The former OPBF & WBO Asia Pacific champion finds himself once again in the world rankings, since losing to WBO World champion Oscar Valdez (24-0) in 2016. He fought Indonesian journeyman Ahmad Lahizab (4-8) on April 7.-Reiya Abe (19-2): IBF #4 / WBC #9Abe fought the Japanese championTaiki Minamoto (16-5),on May 1st, to a draw.Super Featherweight:-Masaru Sueyoshi (19-1): WBO #3Sueyoshi defended his Japanese championship for the4thtime, against Ken Osato (15-3), on May 4th. -Kenichi Ogawa (23-1): IBF #4The former Japanese champion returned to ring, after his one year suspension, and defeated Roldan Aldea (12-7) on February 2nd. Ogawa is expected to face the undefeated IBF Intercontinental champion Azinga Fuzile (14-0) in an IBF world title eliminator.

Super Welterweight:-Takeshi Inoue (13-1): WBO #9The former Japanese, OPBF & WBO Asia Pacific champion unsuccessfully challenged Jaime Munguia (32-0) for the WBO World titlethis January. He is scheduled to return to the ring on August 3rd.

Middleweight:-Ryota Murata (14-2): WBA #3 / WBC #5 / WBO #9The 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist will get his chance for revenge on July 12 as he goes up against Rob Brant (25-1)in Osaka for the WBA (Regular) World championship.Heavyweight:-Kyotaro Fujimoto (20-1): WBO #10 / WBA #11The former K-1 champion has unified the Japanese, OPBF & WBO Asia Pacific Heavyweight titles. He is now looking for a World championship fight before he retires from the sport.

​Strawweight:-Tatsuya Fukuhara (21-6): WBC #5The former World champion will get another shot at Chayaphon Moonsri (52-0) and the WBC title, on April 24, inThailand.-Tsubasa Koura (14-1): WBC #3 / WBA #7 / WBO #9In a shocking turn of events, Koura lost his OPBF title to the unheralded Lito Dante (16-10) on March 31st.-Masataka Taniguchi (11-3): WBO #6Taniguchi defeated Joel Lino (10-1), back in November, for the vacant WBO Asia Pacific title. He unsuccessfully challenged Vic Saludar (19-3) on February 26 for the WBO World title.-Norihito Tanaka (18-7): IBF #9 / WBC #9 / WBO #10 / WBA #13Tanaka won the Japanese title, this past January, for the first time in his career.Light Flyweight:-Tetsuya Hisada (33-9): WBA #1 /WBO #1 / WBC #3 / IBF #9Hisada is rumored to be challengingAngel Acosta (19-1) for the WBO title, potentially this Summer.-Reiya Konishi (17-1): IBF #3 /WBA #4 / WBO #4 / WBC #6The WBO Asia Pacific champion will clash with Felix Alvarado (34-2) for the IBF World title, on May 19.-Kenichi Horikawa (39-18): WBC #5Horikawa ended 2018 with a 4-0 record. He beat Satoru Todaka (9-3) on February 14, to win the Japanese title for the second time in his career. Flyweight:-Sho Kimura (18-2): WBO #5The former WBO World champion dominated Wicha Phulaikhao (60-11) on March 30 to win the vacant OPBF Silver title.-Junto Nakatani (18-0): WBC #4 / WBO #4 / IBF#12 / WBA #15The unstoppable Japanese prospect has fought 4 times in 2018 and has won all of his bouts, 2 of them via KO. He finally won his first championship, when he stopped Naoki Mochizuki (15-4), on February 2nd, for the vacant Japanese crown.-Masayuki Kuroda (30-7): IBF #4Kuroda, who is currently on a 6 fight winning streak, will meet Moruti Mthalane (37-2) for the IBF World title on May 13.Super Flyweight:-Kazuto Ioka (23-2): WBO #2 / WBC #3The 3 division world champion will take on Aston Palicte (25-2) for the vacant WBO title, on June 19, inJapan.-Ryuichi Funai (31-7): IBF #1 / WBO #3The former Japanese & WBO Asia Pacific champion will challenge Jerwin Ancajas (30-1) for the IBF World title, on May 4th.-Sho Ishida (27-1): IBF #5/ WBO #4 / WBA #6 / WBC #11Since losing to the WBA world champion Khalid Yafai (25-0) in 2017, Ishida has won all of his 2018 bouts, against Ratchanon Sawangsoda (12-3), Richard Claveras (18-6), as well as former world title contender Warlito Parrenas (26-9).-Koki Eto (24-4): WBO #5 / WBC #8 / WBA #7 / IBF #9The former interim WBA Flyweight World champion has been on a 7 fight winning streak, since losing to Carlos Cuadras (37-3) in 2015. He is expected to be involved in a WBO Eliminator against Jeyvier Cintron (10-0).-Daigo Higa (15-1): WBA #5The former WBC Flyweight World champion is expected to make his return to the ring at some point this year.Super Bantamweight:-Ryosuke Iwasa (26-3): IBF #1Iwasa won an IBF title eliminatoragainst Cesar Juarez (23-7), on February 16.-Shingo Wake (26-5): WBC #2 / IBF #3 The former Japanese & OPBF champion has been on a 6 fight winning streak since losing to Jonathan Guzman (23-1) in 2016.-Hiroaki Teshigawara (19-2): IBF #8 / WBO #15Teshigawara made his Super Bantamweight debut last year, stopping Glenn Suminguit (21-4) to win the OPBF championship. He marked his first successful title defense on February 14, against Yuki Iriguchi (10-3). -Yukinori Oguni (20-2): WBA #4After losing his World title in 2017, Oguni has picked only one victory in 2018. He’s scheduled to compete on May 8. (Opponent TBA)Featherweight:-Satoshi Shimizu (8-0): IBF #3The 2012 Olympic Bronze Medalist has made 3 successful title defenses of the OPBF crown in 2018, against Kyung Min Kwon (6-5), Shingo Kawamura (16-5) and Takuya Uehara (16-1).-Hiroshige Osawa (34-5): WBA #1 / IBF #13The former OPBF & WBO Asia Pacific champion finds himself once again in the world rankings, since losing to WBO World champion Oscar Valdez (24-0) in 2016. He will fight Indonesian journeyman Ahmad Lahizab (4-7) on April 7.-Reiya Abe (19-2): IBF #4 / WBC #9Abe is the number 1 contender for Taiki Minamoto’s (16-5) Japanese title. These 2 men will collide at the 2019 Champion Carnival, on May 1st.-Shun Kubo (13-1): WBA #10 / WBC #12The former WBA Super Bantamweight World champion moved up a weight class last year, defeating Hiroshige Osawa in his Featherweight debut on April of 2018.Super Featherweight:-Masaru Sueyoshi (18-1): WBO #4Sueyoshi will defend his Japanese championship for a 4thtime, against Ken Osato (15-2), on May 4th. -Kenichi Ogawa (23-1): IBF #4The former Japanese champion returned to ring, after his one year suspension, and defeated Roldan Aldea (12-7) on February 2nd.Lightweight:-Nihito Arakawa (32-6): WBO #7The former Japanese, OPBF & WBO Asia Pacific champion will challenge Denys Berinchyk (10-0) for the WBO International title, on April 20.-Masayoshi Nakatani (18-0): IBF #3 / WBC #8 / WBO #12Nakatani marked his 11th successful OPBF title defense this past December, when he stopped the former WBC International champion Hurricane Futa (25-8) in round 6.

Welterweight-Keita Obara (20-4-1): IBF #10 / WBO #15Obara lost to the undefeated former WBC Silver champion Kudratillo Abdukakhorov (16-0), on March 30, in an IBF world title eliminator.Super Welterweight:-Takeshi Inoue (13-1): WBO #8The former Japanese, OPBF & WBO Asia Pacific champion unsuccessfully challenged Jaime Munguia (32-0) for the WBO World title, on January 26.Middleweight:-Ryota Murata (14-2): WBA #3 / WBC #4 / IBF #6The 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist & former WBA (Regular) World champion will be returning to the ring soon, probably this May.Heavyweight:-Kyotaro Fujimoto (20-1): WBO #10 / WBA #10The former K-1 champion has unified the Japanese, OPBF & WBO Asia Pacific Heavyweight titles. He is now looking for a World championship fight before he retires from the sport.

Strawweight:-Tatsuya Fukuhara (21-6): WBC #6The former World champion will get another shot at Chayaphon Moonsri (52-0) and the WBC title, on March 29, inThailand.-Tsubasa Koura (14-0): WBC #3 / WBA #8 / WBO #10 / IBF #11 Koura has been the OPBF champion since 2017 and has marked 3 successful title defenses. His next one will take place on March 31st, against Lito Dante (15-10).-Masataka Taniguchi (11-3): WBO #2Taniguchi defeated Joel Lino (10-1), back in November, for the vacant WBO Asia Pacific title. He unsuccessfully challengedVic Saludar (19-3) on February 26 for the WBO World title.-Norihito Tanaka (18-7): WBC #10 / IBF #12 / WBA #13Tanaka won the Japanese title, this past January, for the first time in his career.-Shin Ono (23-10): WBO #4Ono lost his Japanese title to Norihito Tanaka (18-7) on January 12.Light Flyweight:-Tetsuya Hisada (33-9): WBA #1 /WBO #2 / WBC #2 / IBF #9Afterrecording a 5th successful Japanese title defense in November, before vacating the belt, Hisada is now rumored to fight Carlos Canizales (21-0) for the WBA (Regular) World championship.-Reiya Konishi (17-1): WBA #3 / IBF #3/ WBO #4 / WBC #5The WBO Asia Pacific champion will clash with Felix Alvarado (34-2) for the IBF World title, either in April or May.Kenichi Horikawa (39-18): WBC #6Horikawa ended 2018 with a 4-0 record.He beat Satoru Todaka (9-3) on February 14, to win the Japanese title for the second time in his career. Flyweight:-Ryoichi Taguchi (27-3): WBO #4The former IBF & WBA Light Flyweight World champion is moving up a weight class to challenge Kosei Tanaka (12-0), for the WBO strap, on March 16.-Junto Nakatani (18-0): WBC #4 / WBO #9 / IBF #13 / WBA #14The unstoppable Japanese prospect has fought 4 times in 2018 and has won all of his bouts, 2 of them via KO. He finally wonhis first championship, when he stoppedNaoki Mochizuki (15-4), on February 2nd, for the vacant Japanese crown.

-Masayuki Kuroda (30-7): WBO #3 / IBF #4Kuroda, who is currently on a 6 fight winning streak, will meet Moruti Mthalane (37-2) for the IBF World title on May 13.

-Sho Kimura (17-2): WBO #6The former WBO World champion lost his title to Kosei Tanaka (12-0) this past September, in a FOTY candidate. He will now go up against Thai veteran Wicha Phulaikhao (60-10) for the vacant OPBF Silver title, on March 30.

Super Flyweight:-Ryuichi Funai (31-7): IBF #1 / WBO #3 / WBC #11The former Japanese & WBO Asia Pacific champion will challengeJerwin Ancajas (30-1) for the IBF World title, either on April 12 or April 20.-Sho Ishida (27-1): IBF #5/ WBO #5 / WBA #7 / WBC #11Since losing to the WBA world champion Khalid Yafai (25-0) in 2017, Ishida has won all of his 2018 bouts, against Ratchanon Sawangsoda (12-3), Richard Claveras (18-6), as well as former world title contender Warlito Parrenas (26-9).

-Kazuto Ioka (23-2): WBC #3 / WBO #4Ioka debuted at the Super Flyweight division this past September, defeating McWilliams Arroyo (17-4) to become the WBC Silver champion. In December, he fought Donnie Nietes (42-1), for the vacant WBO World title, losing a very close decision.He is rumored to be facing Aston Palicte (25-2) for the same championship again.

-Daigo Higa (15-1): WBA #6The former WBC Flyweight World champion is expected to make his return to the ring in 2019.

Super Bantamweight:-Ryosuke Iwasa (26-3): IBF #1Iwasa won an IBF title eliminatoragainst Cesar Juarez (23-7), on February 16. He now has the opportunity to challenge TJ Doheny (21-0) and to reclaim his World championship.

-Shingo Wake (26-5): IBF #3 / WBC #4The former Japanese & OPBF champion has been on a 6 fight winning streak since losing to Jonathan Guzman (23-1) in 2016.

-Hiroaki Teshigawara (19-2): IBF #9Teshigawara made his Super Bantamweight debut last year, stopping Glenn Suminguit (21-4) to win the OPBF championship. He marked his first successful title defense on February 14, against Yuki Iriguchi (10-3).

-Yukinori Oguni (20-2): WBA #4After losing his World title in 2017, Oguni has picked only one victory in 2018. He’s scheduled to fight on May 8. (Opponent TBA)

-Hiroshige Osawa (34-5): WBA #5 / IBF #13The former OPBF & WBO Asia Pacific champion finds himself once again in the world rankings, since losing to WBO World champion Oscar Valdez (24-0) in 2016.

-Reiya Abe (19-2): IBF #4 / WBC #13Abe is the number 1 contender for Taiki Minamoto’s (16-5) Japanese title. These 2 men will collide at the 2019 Champion Carnival, on May 1st.

Super Featherweight:-Masaru Sueyoshi (18-1): WBO #4Sueyoshi will defend his Japanese championship, for afourth time, against Ken Osato (15-2), on May 4th.

-Kenichi Ogawa (23-1): IBF #5The former Japanese champion returned to ring, after his one year suspension, to defeat Roldan Aldea (12-7) on February 2nd.

Lightweight:-Masayoshi Nakatani (18-0): IBF #3 / WBC #9 / WBO #10Nakatani marked his 11th successful OPBF title defense in December, when he stopped the former WBC International champion Hurricane Futa (25-8) in round 6. He is rumored to face former EBU European & WBA Intercontinental champion Edis Tatli (31-2) in an IBF world title eliminator.

-Nihito Arakawa (31-6): WBO #7The former Japanese, OPBF & WBO Asia Pacific champion is looking for his second world title opportunity in 2019.

Middleweight:-Ryota Murata (14-2): WBC #4 / WBA #6 /IBF #6The 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist lost his WBA (Regular) World title to Rob Brant (25-1) this past October. Rumor has it that he will return to the ring this May in Japan.

Strawweight:-Masataka Taniguchi (11-2): WBO #2 / WBC #18Taniguchi defeated Joel Lino (10-1), back in November, for the vacant WBO Asia Pacific title. He will challenge Vic Saludar (18-3) on February 26 for the WBO title.-Tsubasa Koura (14-0): WBC #3 / WBA #8 / WBO #9 / IBF #11 Koura has been the OPBF champion since 2017 and has marked 3 successful title defenses. He is expected to face Simphiwe Khonco (19-5) in a WBC World title eliminator.-Tatsuya Fukuhara (21-6): WBO #3 / WBC #6The former World champion will get another shot at Chayaphon Moonsri (52-0) and the WBC title, on March 1st, in Thailand. (Ed's note - This bout is now set to be rescheduled for March 29th)-Shin Ono (23-10): WBO #5 / WBC #29Ono lost his Japanese title to Norihito Tanaka (18-7) on January 12.Light Flyweight:-Tetsuya Hisada (33-9): WBA #1 /WBO #2 / WBC #2 / IBF #9Afterrecording a 5th successful Japanese title defense in November, before vacating the belt, Hisada is now rumored to fight Carlos Canizales (21-0) for the WBA (Regular) World championship.

-Reiya Konishi (17-1): IBF #4 / WBA #4 / WBO #4 / WBC #6The WBO Asia Pacific champion will clash with Felix Alvarado (34-2) for the IBF World title, either in March or in April.Kenichi Horikawa (35-18): WBC #7Horikawa ended 2018 with a 4-0 record. The former Japanese & WBO Asia Pacific champion’s next opponent will be Satoru Todaka (9-2), whom he will meet on February 14, for the vacant Japanese title.

Flyweight:-Ryoichi Taguchi (27-3): WBO #4The former IBF & WBA Light Flyweight World champion is moving up a weight class to challenge Kosei Tanaka (12-0), for the WBO strap, on March 16.-Junto Nakatani (18-0): WBC #4 / WBO #10 / IBF #13 / WBA #14The unstoppable Japanese prospect has fought 4 times in 2018 and has won all of his bouts, 2 of them via KO. He finally wonhis first championship, when he stoppedNaoki Mochizuki (15-4), on February 2nd, for the vacant Japanese crown.-Masayuki Kuroda (30-7): WBO #3 / IBF #4Kuroda has recently vacated his Japanese title as his has set his sights on the World championship. He is rumored to meet Moruti Mthalane (37-2) for the IBF title in 2019.-Sho Kimura (17-2): WBO #6The former WBO World champion lost his title to Kosei Tanaka (12-0) this past September, in a FOTY candidate. No word yet as to what’s next for him at the moment.Super Flyweight:-Ryuichi Funai (31-7): IBF #1 / WBO #4 / WBC #11Funai stopped Victor Olivo (15-3) in an IBF world title eliminator, this past November, to become the number 1 contender for Jerwin Ancajas’s (30-1) title.-Sho Ishida (27-1): IBF #4 / WBO #6 / WBA #7 / WBC #12Since losing to the WBA world champion Khalid Yafai (25-0) in 2017, Ishida has won all of his 2018 bouts, against Ratchanon Sawangsoda (12-3), Richard Claveras (18-6), as well as former world title contender Warlito Parrenas (26-9).-Kazuto Ioka (23-2): WBC #3 / WBO #5Ioka debuted at the Super Flyweight division this past September, defeating McWilliams Arroyo (17-4) to become the WBC Silver champion. In December, he fought Donnie Nietes (42-1), for the vacant WBO World title, losing a very close decision.-Koki Eto (24-4): WBC #6 / WBO #7 / WBA #8 / IBF #12The former interim WBA Flyweight World champion has been on a 7 fight winning streak, since losing to Carlos Cuadras (37-3) in 2015.-Daigo Higa (15-1): WBA #6The former WBC Flyweight World champion is expected to make his return to the ring in 2019.Super Bantamweight:-Ryosuke Iwasa (25-3): IBF #3Iwasa will square off against Cesar Juarez (23-6) in an IBF world title eliminator, on February 16. If he wins, he will be one step closer to regaining his championship. -Shingo Wake (26-5): IBF #4 / WBC #4The former Japanese & OPBF champion has been on a 6 fight winning streak since losing to Jonathan Guzman (23-1) in 2016.-Yukinori Oguni (20-2): WBA #4After losing his World title in 2017, Oguni has picked only one victory in 2018.Featherweight:-Satoshi Shimizu (8-0): IBF #3The 2012 Olympic Bronze Medalist has made 3 successful title defenses of the OPBF crown in 2018, against Kyung Min Kwon (6-5), Shingo Kawamura (16-5) and Takuya Uehara (16-1).-Hiroshige Osawa (34-5): WBA #8 / IBF #13The former OPBF & WBO Asia Pacific champion finds himself once again in the world rankings, since losing to WBO World champion Oscar Valdez (24-0) in 2016.-Reiya Abe (19-2): IBF #4 / WBC #12Abe is the number 1 contender for Taiki Minamoto’s (16-5) Japanese title. These 2 men will collide at the 2019 Champion Carnival, on May 1st.Super Featherweight:-Masaru Sueyoshi (18-1): WBO #4Sueyoshi will defend his Japanese championship, for afourth time, against Ken Osato (15-2), on May 4th. Lightweight:-Masayoshi Nakatani (18-0): IBF #4 / WBC #8 / WBO #9Nakatani marked his 11th successful OPBF title defense in December, when he stopped the former WBC International champion Hurricane Futa (25-8) in round 6. He is rumored to face former EBU European & WBA Intercontinental champion Edis Tatli (31-2) in an IBF world title eliminator.-Nihito Arakawa (31-6): WBO #6The former Japanese, OPBF & WBO Asia Pacific champion is looking for his second world title opportunity in 2019.Super Lightweight:-Hiroki Okada (19-0): WBO #2 / WBA #3 / IBF #5 / WBC #9Okada’s toughest challenge to date will take place on February 10, as the undefeated Japanese superstar takes on the former WBO Lightweight World champion Raymundo Beltran (35-8),in a WBC world title eliminator.-Akihiro Kondo (31-7): IBF #4The former WBO Asia Pacific championwill be involved in an IBF world title eliminator, against the IBF Pan Pacific champion Apinun Khongsong (14-0), on February 18. Welterweight-Keita Obara (20-3): IBF #6 / WBO #13The 2 time WBO Asia Pacific championwill face the undefeated former WBC Silver champion Kudratillo Abdukakhorov (15-0), on March 30, in an IBF world title eliminator.Super Welterweight:-Takeshi Inoue (13-1): WBO #3The former Japanese, OPBF & WBO Asia Pacific champion unsuccessfully challengedJaime Munguia(32-0) for the WBO World title, on January 26.Middleweight:-Ryota Murata (14-2): WBC #4 / IBF #6 / WBA #7 The 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist lost his WBA (Regular) World title to Rob Brant (24-1) this past October, and once again finds himself in the position of the title chaser. Heavyweight:-Kyotaro Fujimoto (20-1): WBO #7 / WBA #11 / WBC #27The former K-1 champion has unified the Japanese, OPBF & WBO Asia Pacific Heavyweight titles.

​Heavyweight:-Kyotaro Fujimoto (20-1): WBO #6 / WBA #11The former K-1 champion and the unified OPBF & WBO Asia Pacific title holder recently defended his belts twice in 2018.Middleweight:-Ryota Murata (14-2): IBF #6 / WBC #6 / WBA #7 The 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist lost his WBA world title to Rob Brant in October, and once again finds himself in the position of the title chaser. Super Welterweight/Jr Middleweight:-Takeshi Inoue (13-0): WBO #3The undefeated 4-year veteran and the unified OPBF & WBO Asia Pacific champion will challenge Jaime Munguia (31-0) for the WBO World title, on January 26, inTexas. Welterweight-Keita Obara (20-3): IBF #6 / WBO #15After avenging his shocking loss to Alvin Lagumbay (10-4) and regained the WBO Asia Pacific championship, Obara was set to takes on the undefeated former WBC Silver champion Kudratillo Abdukakhorov (15-0), on January 4th, in an IBF world title eliminator, but the match never happened. No updates yet if it will be rescheduled or not.Super Lightweight/Jr Welterweight:-Hiroki Okada (19-0): WBO #2/ WBA #3 / IBF #5 / WBC #9The former Japanese & WBO Asia Pacific champion made his US debut this past September, against Cristian Rafael Coria (28-7), winning via unanimous decision. Okada is rumored to face the former WBO Lightweight World champion Raymundo Beltran (35-8) on February 10.-Akihiro Kondo (31-7): IBF #4Since losing to Sergey Lipinets (14-1) in 2017, Kondo has won his last 2 fights against the debuting Rikhit Thunritsa and Tatsuya Miyazaki (9-12). He will meet the undefeated IBF Pan Pacific champion Apinun Khongsong (14-0), on February18, in an IBF world title eliminator.Lightweight:-Masayoshi Nakatani (18-0): IBF #5 / WBC #7 / WBO #10Nakatani marked his 11th successful OPBF title defense recently, when he stopped the WBC International champion Hurricane Futa (25-8) in round 6. He is rumored to face former EBU European & WBA Intercontinental champion Edis Tatli (31-2) in an IBF world title eliminator.-Nihito Arakawa (31-6): WBO #4The former Japanese, OPBF & WBO Asia Pacific champion is looking for his second world title opportunity in 2019.Super Featherweight/Jr Lightweight:-Masaru Sueyoshi (18-1): WBO #6Sueyoshi has defended his Japanese title thrice this year. His next one will probably be a rematch with Ken Osato (15-2) in early 2019. Featherweight:-Satoshi Shimizu (8-0): IBF #3The 2012 Olympic Bronze Medalist has marked 3 successful title defenses ofthe OPBF crown in 2018, against Kyung Min Kwon (6-5), Shingo Kawamura (16-5) and Takuya Uehara (16-1).-Reiya Abe (18-2): IBF #4 / WBC #12Abe is the number 1 contender for Taiki Minamoto’s (16-5) Japanese title. These 2 will collide at the 2019 Champion Carnival, on May 1st, but before that the young lion has another match set first against Daisuke Sugita (4-0) on January 12.Super Bantamweight/ Jr Featherweight:-Shingo Wake (25-5): IBF #4 / WBC #4The 12 year veteran has re-established himself at the top of the division after stopping Yusaku Kuga (17-3) in July to win the Japanese title. However, Wake recently vacated his belt and he is rumored to face a world champion in 2019. Until then, he will square off against Takafumi Nakajima (29-11) on January 19. -Ryosuke Iwasa (25-3): IBF #3 / WBC #14Iwasa lost his IBF world title to DJ Doheny (20-0) this past August. Rumor has it that he maybe fighting Cesar Juarez (23-6) in an IBF world title eliminator in the near future.-Ryohei Takahashi (16-3): IBF #10Takahashi won the IBF Pan Pacific championship from Pipat Chaiporn (45-12) back in June and defended it against Shingo Kusano (11-7) in September. -Yukinori Oguni (20-2): WBA #6After losing his World title in 2017, Oguni has picked only one victory in 2018.Super Flyweight/Jr Bantamweight:-Kazuto Ioka (23-2): WBO #3Ioka debuted at the Super Flyweight division this past September, defeating McWilliams Arroyo (17-4) to become the WBC Silver champion. In December, he foughtDonnie Nietes (42-1), for the vacant WBO Super Flyweight World title, losing a very close decision.-Koki Eto (23-4): WBC #5 / WBO #8 / WBA #8 / IBF #12The former interim WBA Flyweight World champion has fought and won twice in 2018 against lesser opponents. -Ryuichi Funai (31-7): IBF #1 / WBO #6 / WBC #10Funai stopped Victor Olivo (15-3) in an IBF world title eliminator, this past November, to become the number 1 contender. However, if the rumored Jerwin Ancajas (30-1) vs. Srisaket Sor Rungvisai (47-4) fight takes place, Funai might have to wait for a few months more before he receives his opportunity. -Sho Ishida (27-1): IBF #4 / WBO #7 / WBA #7 / WBC #13Since losing to the WBA world champion Khalid Yafai (25-0) in 2017, Ishida has won all of his 2018 bouts, against Ratchanon Sawangsoda (12-3), Richard Claveras (18-6), as well as former world title contender Warlito Parrenas (26-9).-Daigo Higa (15-1): WBA #6The former WBC Flyweight World Champion has been suspended for the majority of 2018, since failing to make weight in his last title fight. Recently though, there have been rumors of his upcoming return, including training videos of him, and with his inclusion to the WBA rankings, it’s almost a certainty that we will see Okinawa’s favorite son back to the rings this year.Flyweight:-Junto Nakatani (17-0): WBC #4 / WBO #10The unstoppable Japanese prospect has fought 4 times in 2018 and has won all of his bouts, 2 of them via KO. He will finally compete for a championship belt when he faces Naoki Mochizuki (15-3), on February 2nd, for the vacant Japanese crown.-Sho Kimura (17-2): WBO #5The former WBO World champion lost his title to Kosei Tanaka (12-0) this past September, in a FOTY candidate. Already ranked at the top 10 of the WBO, he will probably find himself in a championship match again very soon.-Masayuki Kuroda (30-7): WBC #3 / WBO #3 / IBF #4Kuroda has recently vacated his Japanese title as his has set his sights on the World championship. He is rumored to meetMoruti Mthalane (37-2) for the IBF title in 2019.

Light Flyweight:-Tetsuya Hisada (33-9): WBA #1 /WBO #2 / WBC #2 / IBF #11Hisadarecorded a 5th successful Japanese title defense in November, before vacating the belt.Ranked at the top of the division all year long, it will be a surprise if he doesn’t fight for a World championship in 2019.-Ryoichi Taguchi (27-3): WBC #3 / WBA #3 / IBF #7Taguchi could be challenging Kosei Tanaka (12-0) for the WBO World title this Spring. -Reiya Konishi (17-1): IBF #3 / WBA #4 / WBO #4/ WBC #14After losing a decision to Carlos Canizales (21-0), for the WBA world title, Konishi came back in July and knocked out Orlie Silvestre (12-5) to become the new WBO Asia Pacific champion. His first successful title defense took place on December 1st, against Richard Rosales (13-8).Kenichi Horikawa (35-18): WBC #6Horikawa ends 2018 with a 4-0 record.Minimumweight:-Tsubasa Koura (14-0): WBC #3 / IBF #4 / WBA #10 / WBO #9Koura defended his OPBF title, for the 3rd time, against Daiki Tomita (12-1) in September. He is now set to face Simphiwe Khonco (19-5) in a WBC World title eliminator (date TBA).-Tatsuya Fukuhara (21-6): WBO #3 / WBC #6 / IBF #14Fukuhara has been victorious in both of his 2018 bouts. -Shin Ono (23-9): WBO #5 / IBF #12 / WBA #13 / WBC #13Ono marked his first successful Japanese title defense against former world title contender Riku Kano (14-4) in August. He will make his second one against Norihito Tanaka (17-7), on January 12.-Masataka Taniguchi (11-2): WBO #2 / IBF #6Taniguchi recently defeated Joel Lino (10-1) for the vacant WBO Asia Pacific title. It’s almost certain that he will take on Vic Saludar (18-3) on February 25th for the WBO title.

-Nihito Arakawa (31-6): WBO #4The former Japanese, OPBF & WBO Asia Pacific champion is still looking for his second world title opportunity as 2019 approaches.Super Featherweight/Jr Lightweight:-Masaru Sueyoshi (18-1): WBO #6 / WBC #22Sueyoshi has been victorious in his last 15 outings and even won the Japanese title on October of 2017. A fewmore wins and wemay see him challenging Masayuki Ito (24-1) for the WBO World championship by the end of next year. He recently foughtthe OPBF champion Hironori Mishiro (6-0), for the Japanese & OPBF titles, to a draw.Featherweight:-Satoshi Shimizu (8-0): IBF #3 / WBC #5The 2012 Olympics Bronze Medalist has already defendedhis OPBF crownthrice this year. It’s only a matter of time before he challenges for a World championship.-Shun Kubo (13-1): WBA #7 / WBC #23The former WBA Super Bantamweight world champion returned this April, after his TKO loss to Daniel Roman (26-2) in 2017, and won his comeback fight against former OPBF Featherweight champion & world title contenderHiroshige Osawa (33-5) making a huge impact on his Featherweight debut.-Reiya Abe (18-2): IBF #4 / WBC #20The young Japanese lion, undefeated in his last 10 bouts, is steadily making his mark in the Featherweight division. Abe will take on Daisuke Sugita (4-0) on January 12. Winning or losing, he will still challenge Taiki Minamoto (16-5) for the Japanese title at the 2019 Champion Carnival.Super Bantamweight/ Jr Featherweight:-Ryosuke Iwasa (25-3): IBF #3 / WBC #12Iwasa lost his IBF world title to DJ Doheny (20-0) this past August. Rumor has it that he maybe fighting Cesar Juarez (23-6) in an IBF world title eliminator in the near future.

- Shingo Wake (25-5): IBF #4 / WBC #7 The 12 year veteran has re-established himself at the top of the division after stopping Yusaku Kuga (16-3) in July to win the Japanese title. However, Wake recently vacated his belt and he is rumored to face a world champion in 2019, possibly either Rey Vargas (32-0) or TJ Doheny (20-0). Until then, he will square off against Takafumi Nakajima (29-11) on January 19. -Ryohei Takahashi (16-3): IBF #10Takahashi won the IBF Pan Pacific championship from Pipat Chaiporn (45-12) back in June and defended it against Shingo Kusano (11-7) in September. Bantamweight:-Takuma Inoue (12-0): WBC #4Takuma will go up against undefeated Thai boxer Petch Sor Chitpattana (48-0) for the interim WBC World championship, on December 30, inJapan. Super Flyweight/Jr Bantamweight:-Kazuto Ioka (23-1): WBO #3 / WBC #3Ioka is on a journey to conquer yet again another division, as a matchwithfellow 3 division World champion Donnie Nietes (41-1), for the vacant WBO Super Flyweight Worldtitle, is scheduled to take place on December 31st, in Macau.-Koki Eto (23-4): WBC #7 / WBO #8 / WBA #8 / IBF #14The former interim WBA Flyweight World champion has fought twice this year against lesser opponents. Nothing new on the horizon for him at this moment.-Ryuichi Funai (31-7): IBF #3 / WBO #6 / WBC #14Funai stoppedVictor Olivo (15-3)in an IBF world title eliminator, on November 10, and he will now be facingJerwin Ancajas (30-1) for the gold next year. -Sho Ishida (27-1): IBF #5 / WBO #7 / WBA #7 / WBC #17Since losing to the WBA world champion Khalid Yafai (25-0) last year, Ishida has won all of his 2018 bouts, against Ratchanon Sawangsoda (12-3), Richard Claveras (18-6), as well asformer world title contenderWarlito Parrenas (26-9).-Daigo Higa (15-1): WBA #6The former WBC Flyweight World Champion has been suspended for the majority of the year, since failing to make weight in his last title fight. Recently though, there have been rumors of his upcoming return, including training videos of him, and with his inclusion to the WBA rankings, it’s almost a certainty that we will see Okinawa’s favorite son back to the ring in 2019.Flyweight:-Masayuki Kuroda (30-7): WBC #3 / WBO #2 / IBF #4Kuroda was scheduled to fight Komgrich Nantapech (24-5) in an IBF world title eliminator this November. However, Nantapech was injured and the match got cancelled.-Junto Nakatani (17-0): WBC #4 / WBO #11The unstoppable Japanese prospect has fought 4 times in 2018 and has won all of his bouts, 2 of them via KO. At this pace, he will be competing for a world title in no time.-Masahiro Sakamoto (13-1): WBO #4 / IBF #15Sakamoto has been on a 5 fight winning streak, all stoppages, including victories over Ekkawit Songnui (48-6) and Wicha Phulaikhao (60-10). The former WBO Asia Pacific champion will be challenging Moruti Mthalane (36-2) for the IBF World championship, on December 31st, in Macau. -Sho Kimura (17-2): WBO #6 / WBC #7The former WBO World champion lost this title recently to Kosei Tanaka, in a back and forth affair. Already ranked at the top 10 of the WBO & WBC, he will probably find himself in a championship match againvery soon.Light Flyweight:-Tetsuya Hisada (33-9): WBA #2 /WBO #3 / WBC #3 / IBF #3The reigning Japanese champion recorded a 5th successful title defense against Akihiro Toya (8-5) in November. Hisada is ranked at the top of the division all year long. It will be a surprise if he doesn’t fight for a World championship in 2019.Note: Hisada vacated the Japanese title in December.-Hiroto Kyoguchi (11-0): WBA #1 / WBC #2 / IBF #4The former undefeated IBF Minimumweight World champion stoppedTibo Monabesa (18-1) this past September in his Light Flyweight debut. He is now set to fight Hekkie Budler (32-3) for the WBA World title, on December 31st, in Macau. -Ryoichi Taguchi (27-3): WBC #4 / WBA #4 / IBF #8Taguchi is said to be challenging Kosei Tanaka for the WBO World title, in Spring of 2019. -Reiya Konishi (17-1): WBA #5 / WBO #5 / IBF #9 / WBC #13After losing a decision to Carlos Canizales (21-0), for the WBA world title, earlier this year, Konishi came back in July and knocked out Orlie Silvestre (12-4) to become the new WBO Asia Pacific champion. His first title defense took place on December 1st, against Richard Rosales (13-8).-Ryuji Hara (23-2): WBO #1Hara has been the #1 ranked Light Flyweight by the WBO since January, despite having only competed once in this division against the debuting Seneey Worachina. Hara was set to face Angel Acosta for the World title on April 7 but an injury prevented him from stepping into the ring. Now there are talks again of making that fight happen in February of next year.

Minimumweight:-Tsubasa Koura (14-0): WBC #2 / IBF #4 / WBA #9 / WBO #10Koura successfully defended his OPBF title, for the 3rd time, against Daiki Tomita (12-1) on September 29. He is now set to face Simphiwe Khonco (19-5) in a WBC World title eliminator (date TBA).-Tatsuya Fukuhara (21-6): WBO #3 / WBC #5 / IBF #13Fukuhara has been victorious in both of his 2018 bouts. An interesting development is his inclusion to the WBO rankings again and in the third place nonetheless. -Shin Ono (23-9): WBO #5 / IBF #11 / WBA #12 / WBC #13Ono made his first successful Japanese title defense against former World title contender Riku Kano (13-4) on August 24.He will mark his second one against Norihito Tanaka (17-7), on January 12.-Masataka Taniguchi (11-2): WBO #2Taniguchi recently defeated Joel Lino (10-1) for the vacant WBO Asia Pacific title.*Interim World Champions NOT included.**The WBC/IBF rankings are from October